Summary : Embark on a voyage filled with the amazing colors of the Arctic. Start in Spitsbergen and sail along the northeastern coast of Greenland to Iceland. As you approach Greenland, attempt to sail through the sea ice landing at Myggebugten. Watch for whales and magnificent ice sculptures. Discover the extensive tundra populated by musk oxen. Sail through magnificent fjords surrounded by towering mountains. You may even see the Northern Lights on this trip of a lifetime!

Sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favored by ringed and bearded seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. There is a good chance to see polar bear near Hamilton Glacier, and towards the head of the fjord. From there continue to Moffen Island walrus haul out.

In your approach to Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut – in the first half of the 20th century, Norwegian trappers hunted here for polar bear and Arctic fox – there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. From here you sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternative route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway.

You arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the landing site. In the afternoon you head into Antarctic Sound, where you find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.

In the morning you enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. You land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie right at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans. In the afternoon the ship ventures into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. You may then embark on a Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the interior of these waters. Continuing deep into the fjord, you experience a definitive Greenland adventure.

Spend the first half of the day in Antarcticahavn, a wide and extensive valley where you could also see groups of Musk Oxen. At this time of year the autumnal colors of the sparse vegetation make the landscapes even more beautiful.

Today you will reach the Scoresby Sund and sail in the morning along the ragged and glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. Here you may go on a Zodiac cruise along one of the glacier fronts of this coast, and have our first landing near for instance Måne Glacier. Later you will land on Danmark Ø where you can look for the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular ‘tent rings’ of stones indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well-preserved, allowing entrances and even bear-proof meat caches to be identified. There are also grave sites. In the evening, continue your sailing through the beautiful fjords to the west, choked with icebergs.

Go ashore at C. Hofman Halvø, a reliable spot for viewing Musk Oxen. You may also spot Rock Ptarmigan and Great Northern Diver at sea. The landscape here is particularly beautiful, especially during autumn when the Dwarf Willow and Dwarf Birch change color. Arctic Blueberry and Crowberry add their own colorful touch–the berries are tasty too! In the evening you will sail through the fjord towards Scoresby Land, enjoying the contrast between the warm autumnal colors of the vegetation on shore, backed by huge dark mountains, and the cold blue of the icebergs.

In Northwest fjord in Scoresby Land in the morning, you will encounter huge icebergs, some over 100 meters high and more than a kilometer in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep here. You will land near Sydkap to view the remains of the Thule culture winter houses. As many as 20 people lived in these tiny houses, hunting Greenland Whale and using their vertebrae to build the houses. You may also land at Gurreholm on Jameson Land. The landscape here is gently undulating.

In the morning you will land at Ittoqqortoormiit, the biggest settlement in the Scoresby Sund with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just wander around to see the sledge dogs and the drying skins of seal, musk ox, and polar bear. After dinner you will sail south passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast.

In the morning, you will arrive in Akureyri and upon request you can transfer by chartered bus to a centrally located hotel in Reykjavik (6 hours). The transfer is supplemented and must be booked and paid for in advance.

Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions—and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Mandatory Travel Insurance:As a requirement of participation on this expedition, all passengers must purchase insurance including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. Other conditions may apply based on pre-existing conditions. ExpeditionTrips can assist U.S. residents with travel protection options.

Bilingual English/German Departure: 9/5/2018

Included: Voyage aboard the designated vessel as indicated in the itinerary; cabin accommodations and meals aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; free use of rubber boots on loan; transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to Longyearbyen; charter bus transfer and baggage handling between ship in Akureyri and Hotel Centrum in Reykjavik; Zodiac rides; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; miscellaneous service taxes and port charges; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material. Subject to change without notice.

Not Included:Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; accommodation in Iceland; pre- and post-land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; travel insurance; excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel; fuel surcharge may apply.

Above rates are per person, based on double occupancy (unless noted as a dedicated single, triple, or quad cabin). Subject to change without notice.

Solo Rates: 1.7x the double occupancy rate in Twin and Superior cabinsNOTE: Shared cabins may be available in select cabin categories on certain departures. Please inquire.

Child Savings: Children 15 and under40% off in Superior, Triple (sharing with 2 adults) and Quadruple cabins (sharing with 3 adults)

Rate Includes: Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels, and ship for passengers on the group flights to Longyearbyen; transfer and baggage handling between the ship in Akureyri and Hotel Reykjavik Centrum by coach; shipboard accommodations; gear on loan (rubber boots and snowshoes); all meals onboard the ship. Inclusions subject to change without notice.

Plancius

Overview : The Plancius is a 116-passenger ice-strengthened research ship with a spacious open deck for observation. The vessel offers a comfortable dining room and observation lounge that doubles as a presentation room. Plancius voyages feature adventure excursions led by experienced guides. Select departures offer a super active 'basecamp' itinerary with mountaineering, camping, kayaking, and photography workshops.

All details have been provided by the shipping company.

Cabin Description : The vessel offers simple but comfortable cabins and public spaces. 4 quad cabins with two upper and two lower berths. 2 triple porthole cabins with one bunk bed and one lower berth. 9 twin porthole cabins with 2 single lower berths. 26 twin cabins with windows and 2 single lower berths. 2 deluxe cabins with windows and 2 single lower berths. and 10 superior cabins with double beds. Cabins are spacious with an outer facing porthole or window and private bathrooms.

All details have been provided by the shipping company.

Michelle K.

Orlando, FL Jun 2017

North Spitsbergen – Polar Bear Special

Research Ship
Plancius

Seeing polar bears in their natural environment was incredible.

The staff on the Plancius were phenomenal. They tended to our every need, and were very accommodating.

Expedition Specialist Jessica Apfel was very responsive—she made sure that we were prepared for everything, and we took care of everything we needed to ahead of our trip.

Brian K.

Orlando, FL Jun 2017

North Spitsbergen – Polar Bear Special

Research Ship
Plancius

What was the most memorable part of the trip? This is a difficult question because there were so many memorable parts. If I had to narrow it down, I would say the first time a polar bear saunter into view was certainly an incredible experience. The first time I saw the sea ice was another memorable part. To essentially come upon what appeared to be a never ending collection of beautiful floating ice was awe inspiring. Finally, I would say the polar plunge. It was both an amazing and terribly painful experience that I absolutely loved.

All cancellations must be received in writing. Fees will apply for any change or cancellation as soon as a trip is confirmed. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. Non-appearance for program will result in no refund. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.

Cancellation Penalties:90 days or more: 20% of the total price89 to 60 days: 50% of the total price 59 days or less: 100% of the total price

Please note that a Medical Form signed by your doctor may be required for participation in certain trips.